I've been a big fan of Nomos for many years. They present simple and elegant designs coupled with an in-house made movement and a price that will knock your socks off. When it comes to value, there simply is almost no one that can beat Nomos.

Yet for some reason the Zurich model never really caught my eye. This is except for the World Timer version which I absolutely love, but more on that one in the near future. When I saw this watch in the metal and on my wrist for the first time it was obvious, this watch is a real stunner. It maintains Nomos's understated bauhaus design, while adding a mesmerizing blue sunray dial. The dial is actually galvanized blue gold that Nomos then gives their "Glashutte sunray" treatment. You can also notice in the picture here that the small seconds register has a contrasting sunray pattern which adds to the visual dance as you move the watch.

The case was created by the award-winning Swiss designer Hannes Wettsrein. It was actually his final watch design before his passing in 2008. It measures 40mm wide and only 9.65mm thick. Inside the case is the, also prize-winning, Epsilon (or Zeta for the datum) in-house automatic movement. This movement is also used in other watches in the Nomos line such as the Tangomat and Ahoi. It has Incabloc shock protection, a Nivarox balance spring and the automatic rotor winds the mainspring in both directions.

Nomos also has the movement surfaces plated with rhodium which emphasizes their "Glashutte Ribbing" decoration. This is the type of movement that demands to be shown off behind an exhibition case back. The strap is genuine Horween Shell Cordovan. This famous leather is extremely durable and very attractive. In fact Nomos uses these straps across their collection. Further adding to their value proposition.

If you're looking for an elegant dress watch you should seriously consider the Nomos Glashutte Zurich and go with your preference for the dial color. For me it doesn't get any better than this "blaugold' but they also offer a white silver-plated and a "braungold"(brown) version.